Dust filter bag for a vacuum cleaner

ABSTRACT

The invention pertains to a filter bag (8) for a vacuum cleaner (1), with a retainer plate (16) made of a cardboard-paper material that can be attached to a dust bag (37), for example by gluing, and that has a sealable opening (19) for a suction tube (vacuum connector (18)) of a vacuum cleaner (1), where the opening (19) can be closed off with a separate closure piece (V) which can be moved from an open position to a closure position, being slid between two tiers (38, 40). For greater ease of handling the invention proposes that the closure piece (V) be practically fully enclosed in an outer contour of the retainer plate (16) in the open position and in the closure position and that the closure piece (V) lie exposed in a recess (57) of the uppermost tier (38) separate from the opening (19), the longitudinal extension of the recess (57) conforming to the closure piece (V).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a dust filter bag for a vacuum cleaner, havinga mounting plate comprising a card-paper material, to which mountingplate a dust bag is connected, for example by gluing, which mountingplate has a sealingly closable opening for a suction tube of a vacuumcleaner, the opening being closable by a separate closure member whichis displaceable from an open disposition into a closed position, theclosure member being displaceable between two layers.

A dust filter bag of this kind is known from German Published PatentSpecification 2 407 478. In this there is shown a dust filter bag, theopening of which for a suction tube of a vacuum cleaner is closable bymeans of a foldable paper strip. This foldable paper strip is locatedbetween two layers consisting of card in such a manner that one end ofthe paper strip is secured to the lower fixed layer in the region of afold, for example by gluing. The other free end of the paper stripprojects out beyond the contour of the layers, to form a graspingregion. The two layers have circular openings for the suction tube ofthe vacuum cleaner. The paper strip also has a circular opening, whichin the open disposition of the dust filter bag is aligned axially withthe openings of the fixed layers In order to close the opening of thedust filter bag, the free end of the paper strip is pulled outwardly,whereby the folded strip is partially separated. The opening in thepaper strip thus moves away from the region of the openings in the twofixed layers, whereby the opening of the dust filter bag is closed.There exists in this case no possibility, because of the construction,of reopening a dust filter bag which has already been closed, byreversing the displacement of the paper strip. In order to reuse a dustfilter bag of this kind after an unintentional closure of the opening,there exists in this case only the possibility of destroying the paperstrip in the region of the openings in the two fixed layers.

In addition, a dust filter bag provided with a mounting plate having asealingly closable opening in known from U.S. Pat. No. 2,864,462. Inthis case also a closure strip is located between two fixed layers, thedust bag being secured to the lower fixed layer. The closure stripextends longitudinally over the entire length of the two layers. In theopen disposition of the opening for the suction tube of a vacuumcleaner, a further opening in the closure strip is associated with theopenings of the two fixed layers in the axial direction. For closing theopening for the suction tube, a peripherally open recess is provided inthe upper layer, through which the closure strip may be gripped. If theopening of the dust filter bag for the suction tube is to be closed, theclosure strip is gripped in the region of the strip projecting into therecess of the uppermost layer and is then drawn out of the regionbetween the two fixed layers to a sufficient extent for the opening ofthe closure strip to leave the region of the two fixed layers.

In the two abovementioned known solutions, the closure strip extends outover the contour of the respective mounting plate in the closeddisposition of the filter bag.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dust filter bagfor a vacuum cleaner of the kind in question which will be technicallymore advantageous from the point of view of handling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By the construction, of the invention a dust filter bag for a vacuumcleaner is provided, the opening of which, in a mounting plate regionfor a suction tube of a vacuum cleaner may be both closed and alsoopened by means of a closure member, the closure member not extendingover the outer edges of the mounting plate in either of the two endpositions and also not extending over these outer edges in anyintermediate position. This is achieved by the closure member beingsubstantially fully accommodated within an outer contour of the mountingplate in the closed position and in the open disposition and by theclosure member being exposed within a recess of the uppermost layer,which recess is separate from the opening, and a longitudinal dimensionof the recess corresponding to a path of displacement of the closuremember. It is also preferred that in the case of there being at leastthree fixedly disposed card-paper material layers in the mounting plate,one layer provides a support for the closure member in the opendisposition. The closure member is formed to be of dimensions such thatit is accommodated completely within the outer contour of the mountingplate both in the closed position and also in the open disposition. Thisis for example achieved by the closure member having a closure surfaceadapted to the opening in the mounting plate with a handle provided onit, which closure surface is moved into the opening region of theclosure plate to bring about the closed disposition. The least possiblepath of displacement corresponds in this way to the diameter of theopening in the mounting plate.

In order to reopen a dust filter bag which has been closed by mistake,the closure member is moved in such a way that the closure surfaceleaves the region of the opening in the mounting plate at least to anextent sufficient for the suction tube of the vacuum cleaner to beintroduced. The size of the closure member is for this purpose chosen sothat the displacement movements are effected within the outer contour ofthe mounting plate. Reliable guidance of the closure member isguaranteed for this purpose in the case of there being at least threefixedly disposed card-paper material layers in the mounting plate, byone layer providing a substantially full surface area support for theclosure member. In a favoured embodiment, the arrangement is such thatthe full surface area support for the closure member is provided both inthe open disposition and also in the closed disposition. Deviating fromthe full surface area support, a contoured support may also be providedwhich may be recommended from the point of view of reduction offriction.

In order to achieve improved handling of the closure member, the closuremember is exposed within a recess in the uppermost layer, which recessis separate from the opening, a longitudinal dimension of the recesscorresponding to a path of displacement for the closure member. Theexposed region of the closure member in the separate recess of theuppermost layer serves for this purpose as a handle. This region may beboth gripped by hand as well as being mechanically engageable in thecourse of opening or closing the vacuum cleaner. Preferably, theconstruction of the mounting plate comprising the closure member may beso selected that the plate comprises three fixed layers, the centrelayer having a recess for accommodation of the closure member. The widthof the recess corresponds for this to the width of the closure member.The length of the recess by contrast derives from the length of theclosure member plus the path of displacement, which corresponds at leastto the diameter of the opening to be closed. The central layeraccommodating the closure member may thus be formed as a frame closingall four sides. The lowermost layer forms in this connection a fullsurface area support for the closure member.

In order to sealingly close the opening of the mounting plate on entryof the suction tube, in a preferred embodiment, a further layer isprovided, located underneath the lowermost layer, between which twolayers a seal is inserted in the region of the opening. There istherefore provided a closable dust filter bag for a vacuum cleaner,which bag is optimised from the handling point of view. The closuremember is fully accommodated within the outer contour of the mountingplate in the closed position and in the open disposition. Neither in thetwo end positions nor in any intermediate position, do any portions orregions of the closure member project outwardly beyond the outer contourof the mounting plate. Different vacuum cleaners afford, in thereceiving region for the mounting plate of the dust filter bag, no freespace for entry of any portion of the closure member projecting outbeyond the outer contour of the mounting plate. The dust filter bagaccording to the invention may however be inserted into any vacuumcleaner of this kind and here be mechanically opened or closed in thecourse of opening or closing the vacuum cleaner. There exists howeveralso the possibility of manual control of the closure element by hand.

In an advantageous further embodiment, it is provided that at least on apart of the path of displacement of the closure member, an edge of theclosure member extends out to the edge contour of the mounting plate orbeyond it. This construction can for example be provided in the regionof edge recesses in the mounting plate for gripping the plate forremoving the dust filter bag from the vacuum cleaner. In the region ofthese edge recesses, the closure member edges may extend to the edge ofthe recess, whereby at least over a portion of the path of displacement,the closure member may also here be moved for example by means of aclamping grip. There exists here also the possibility of the closuremember edges extending out over the edge contour in the edge recessregion. In a first version, the closure member edges extend only to avery small extent, of the order of tenths of a millimetre, out beyondthe recess edge. In a second version, the extent may however besubstantial, for example some millimetres or even in the centimeterrange. In particular then, when a separate displacement projection issubstantially provided laterally on the closure member, this alsorepresents a possible alternative. Because of this construction, afurther possibility for displacement of the closure member is provided,if for example a mechanical defect is present. As already mentioned, theclosure member is mounted between two fixed layers, whereby lateralguidance is achieved by flanges or the like disposed between the twofixed layers. In this flange region, further abutments may be provided,which define both the open disposition and also the closed position ofthe displaceable member. Advantageously, the closure member is ofsubstantially wasp-waisted shape in plan view. The spade handle forms inthis connection the actuation section for the closure member. Here thelateral support for the closure member is realised by a further layerbetween two fixed layers, this single layer providing only one edge,which is formed as a negative or matching shape for the spade-shapedclosure member having regard to the path of movement. In the region ofthe transition from the spade handle to the closure surface of theclosure member, abutment edges are formed because of the spade shape inplan view, which in the open disposition abut against corresponding stopedges of the frame-shaped layer providing the lateral support. In theclosed position, the peripheral edges of the closure member opposite thespade handle engage against a corresponding region of the layerproviding the edge.

In order to assure optimal handling, it is provided that the spadehandle is associated with the recess. As already mentioned, thelongitudinal extent of the recess corresponds to the path ofdisplacement of the closure member. Advantageously in this connection,the recess has a width which is at least as wide as that of the spadehandle of the closure member. Alternatively, it is also possible for thespade handle to have a greater width than the recess. On one or bothsides, the spade handle moves in this construction in underlyingengagement with the edges of the recess. In this recess region, thespade handle providing the actuation section may now be gripped by handor it may be mechanically displaced. In this regard, it may be providedthat a handling projection is formed on the spade handle. This may be athickened portion provided at the free end of the spade handle or it maybe a recess provided in this region. In a preferred embodiment, thehandling projection is so selected that the spade handle has a sectionwhich may be folded out. This section may be gripped by hand in a verysimple manner. It is also possible to have a mechanical action in theregion of the foldable-out section. Preferred in this connection is aconstruction in which two fold locations are provided.

The invention further relates to a vacuum cleaner having a dust filterbag, the dust filter bag having a mounting plate with an opening for asuction nozzle, and the mounting plate having a closure member which isautomatically displaceable into a closed position in the course ofopening the vacuum cleaner.

A construction of this kind is also known from U.S. Pat. No. 2,864,462already mentioned. In this, the closable dust filter bag alreadymentioned is inserted into the vacuum cleaner in such a way that anactuation projection of the vacuum cleaner may engage in a recess at thefree end of the closure member. By means of this actuation projection,the closure member of the mounting plate is automatically moved into aclosed position in the course of opening the vacuum cleaner. In thisconnection, it is also known for the closure member to be actuated bythe actuation projection during closing of the vacuum cleaner in such away as to enable the opening in the mounting plate for a dust filter bagto be exposed.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that theactuation projection is arranged to be spring biased in the direction ofits extension. Because of this embodiment, the actuation projection isalso usable in vacuum cleaners of the kind which have a tight radiusbetween the axis of pivoting of the vacuum cleaner portion carrying thedust filter bag and the closure member of the other vacuum cleanerportion. In the case of such narrow radii, it is especially necessaryfor the actuation projection to yield in dependence on the pivotingmovement after engagement in the closure element or abutment againstthis. Of particular importance also is the pliability or resilience ofthe actuation projection for preventing self-jamming or self-blocking.Also, if the actuation projection should at any time engage the dustfilter bag at an unfavourable angle, further pivoting of the actuationprojection-carrier may be achieved by the compression (in the particularcase of the drag cover, see below), and thus the angle of attack betweenactuation projection and dust filter bag may be changed, so thatself-jamming is no longer in question.

The moveability and resilience is in particular so effected that theactuation projection may be correspondingly shortened in its directionof extension in the course of pivoting of the dust filter bag into thedisposition of use of the vacuum cleaner. This spring biasedconstruction of the actuation projection is also then especially ofadvantage when dust filter bags are used which are not correspondinglyadapted, in particular then, when dust filter bags are used which haveno device for closing the opening for the suction connection.

In an advantageous further embodiment it is provided that the actuationprojection is formed on a drag cover. A drag cover of this kind is inparticular of advantage for vacuum cleaners having dust filter bags inwhich the dust bags are in an inverted disposition. In this case, forwithdrawal of the dust filter bag, the bag chamber is pivoted togetherwith the drag cover. Subsequently, there then takes place the actualopening of the bag chamber, for which the drag cover is pivoted in sucha way that the dust filter bag is exposed. In this connection, theactuation projection provided on the drag cover moves the closure memberfor the mounting plate of the dust filter bag in such a manner that theopening in the mounting plate for the suction connection is closed. Iffurther use of this dust filter bag is however subsequently required,the drag cover may be pivoted once again in the direction of the bagmounting, whereby the actuation projection once again displaces theclosure member in such a way that the opening in the mounting plate isexposed.

It is however in this connection fully feasible for the actuationprojection to be provided directly on the vacuum cleaner, i.e. withoutrequiring a drag cover. An optimisation from the point of view of use isin addition achieved by the actuation projection being pivotable againsta spring. The second spring (in contrast to the first spring, againstwhich length of the actuation projection may be reduced) effectssubstantially a closing force for a displacement of the closure memberinto the closed position. In particular for an opening operation of thevacuum cleaner, the second spring, in the further course of the openingmovement, pushes the actuation projection still farther forward and thuseffects at least the last portion of the closing movement of the closuremember. In addition to the spring biased construction of the actuationprojection in the direction of extension, this is therefore also formedto be pivotable against a spring.

Furthermore it is provided that connected with the actuation projection,registration projections may be provided, which on completion ofpivoting of the actuation projection, enter into registration openingsof the other vacuum cleaner portion, whereby closure of the vacuumcleaner is only possible on entry of the registration projections. Bythis it is assured that closing of the vacuum cleaner is only possiblewhen a dust filter bag has been inserted. If no dust filter bag has beeninserted, the actuation projection finds no corresponding support onclosing the vacuum cleaner, so that the actuation projection may not bedisplaced out of its position, the registration projections connectedwith it also remaining in their blocking disposition. If it is nowsought to close the vacuum cleaner, the registration projections engageagainst corresponding blocking regions of the other vacuum cleanerportion. When a dust filter bag is however inserted, the actuationprojection pivots in the course of closing the vacuum cleaner, wherebythe registration projections are also displaced in such a manner thatthey may enter into the registration openings of the other vacuumcleaner portion and thus allow the closing of the vacuum cleaner. Inadvantageous manner, it is provided in this connection that theregistration projections are formed on a plate fixedly connected to theactuation projection.

On use of a filter bag in the above described manner, the actuationprojection of the vacuum cleaner engages the closure element in theregion of its spade handle formed as an actuation section. If the spadehandle of the closure member is provided with a foldable-out section,the actuation projection engages behind this foldable-out section onopening the vacuum cleaner and thus moves the closure member into aclosing position for the opening in the mounting plate of the dustfilter bag. If a closed dust filter bag of this kind requires to bereused, the actuation projection of the vacuum cleaner engages theregion of the foldable-out section in such a manner, in the course ofclosing the vacuum cleaner, that the closure member is moved into anopen disposition.

It is obvious that in the case of use of a dust filter bag opened inconventional manner, there is no interference with the function of theactuation projection. It is thus unimportant whether the dust filter bagis inserted into the vacuum cleaner in an open condition or a closedcondition. On displacement of the closure member into the opendisposition, in one embodiment of the invention, the actuationprojection may overrun a handling projection on the closure member,preferably the spade handle of the closure member. Also afteroverrunning this closure projection, the longitudinal reserve for thepartially compressed actuation projection has not quite run out. Ratheris it desired for the actuation projection to abut against a stop fixedto the housing after overrunning the handling projection, at a specificdegree of shortening in length (compression). This is also of importanceinsofar as, during an opening operation, the suction connection of thevacuum cleaner may initially move out of the opening of the filter bagbefore the actuation projection is pivoted with it in the course of thefurther opening or pivoting action, since in the meantime, thelongitudinal reserve is fully used up by extension of the telescopiclength of the actuation projection. Only then is the opening of the dustfilter bag pushed closed, since now the opening is also exposed, as thesuction connection has moved out of it.

In addition, the results, on closing the vacuum cleaner, a markedclicking noise, by the overrunning mentioned of the handling projectionby the actuation projection and the movement limitation of the actuationprojection by abutment against the projection fixed to the housing,which also signals to the user that the vacuum cleaner is now fully inorder for use.

The invention further relates to a vacuum cleaner of the kind initiallymentioned, in which there is provided a peripheral rubber sealprojecting inwardly over the edge of the opening. A dust filter bag ofthis kind is known for example from German Patent Specification 1 39 19256. Reference is also made from the point of view of the state of theart to German Patent Specification 1 24 07 478. For the dust filter bagknown from German Patent Specification 1 39 19 256, an opening is alsoprovided in a displaceable closure portion, whereby for use of the dustfilter bag, the opening in the mounting plate and the opening in thedisplaceable closure portion must be brought into a disposition one overthe other. The opening in the displaceable closure portion has anannular seal. In the case of such a seal, it may come to pass in thecourse of use that the seal becomes raised to a certain degree and thatclosure of the dust filter bag in the required manner is then no longerpossible The problem resulting from this, to provide a dust filter bagof this kind in which a full closure is guaranteed, is initially andsubstantially solved by the subject matter of the invention in toproject inwardly from the periphery of the opening to overlap the rubberseal.

For a rubber seal, as it is here defined, the material rubber is not inquestion, but this seal may consist of any other kind of elastomer orcomparable material, and may during use of such a dust filter bagexperience a certain impressed deformation because of introduction ofthe suction tube. In particular, a loss of the elastic properties isoften to be observed. This is particularly the case when, as oftenoccurs, the inserted suction tube of the dust filter bag remains in thisposition for several weeks or months. On withdrawal of the suction tube,there may then be in question a turning up of the rubber seal projectinginto the interior of the dust filter bag. This then blocks a completeclosing movement of the opening. The stabilising portion providedaccording to the invention now ensures that this turning up does notarise and that the rubber seal is given a pre-impress in the directionof the interior of the dust filter bag (downwardly).

The stabilising portion may in particular also comprise the card-papermaterial previously discussed. There thus comes about also a folding ofthe stabilising portion on insertion of the suction tube. Becausehowever the stabilising portion is not able to fold back when thesuction tube is withdrawn from the opening, on account of its surfacestability, the rubber seal remains directed into the interior of thedust filter bag even after complete removal of the suction tube from theopening. Suitably the stabilising portion is mounted at the location onthe opening which location is the last to be occluded by the closuremember during a closing operation Moreover there may naturally also beprovided several stabilising portions of this kind or even a stabilisingannular edge, the entirety of which is folded over substantially oninsertion of the suction tube. It is also advantageous for a dimensionof the stabilising portion in an inward direction with respect to theperipheral edge of the opening to correspond approximately to one-halfof the dimension of the rubber seal in the inward direction, in the samedirection therefore. Because of this the rubber seal is formed with asubstantially greater width than has previously been visualised. Thestabilising portion has rather suitably a dimension which corresponds tothe previously customary width or dimension of the rubber seal in theinward direction. Relative to a diameter of the opening in the mountingplate for the dust filter bag, the dimension of the stabilising portionin the inward direction is for example one-tenth. The conventionallyannularly-shaped rubber seal extends in the inward directionsubstantially over an extent of two-tenths of the diameter of theopening.

A mounting plate for a dust filter bag, as here discussed, has forexample a multilayered construction. It is assembled from several layersof card-paper material. In this regard, the stabilising portion ispreferably provided on a layer of the mounting plate which is in directcontact with the rubber seal. It is also recommended for the stabilisingportion to be provided on the side of the rubber seal directed away fromthe dust bag. In particular, the stabilising portion may also beprovided in the form of a tongue.

A further subject of the invention is a vacuum cleaner of the presentkind, in particular having a receiving portion for a dust bag, a dragcover or a closure flap having an actuation projection being provided onthe receiving portion, for actuation of a pusher as closure member on adust filter bag, the actuation projection being formed to be resilientlybiassed in its direction of extension and being pivotable as a wholeagainst a spring. The pivotability is relative to the closure plate. Inparticular, reference is here made to European Patent Specification 1 2532 057, in so far as there is in question the basic construction of thevacuum cleaner with the receiving portion for the dust filter bag andthe mounting plate, which is displaceably secured to the receivingportions.

The actuation projection is now provided on the underside on thisreceiving portion, the actuation projection serving for actuation of apusher or closure pusher provided in the filter bag. In regard to such afilter bag there exists the technical problem of achieving actuation ofthe pusher, which operates on the dust filter bag, in the most reliablepossible manner and with certainty, with at the same time the leastpossible closing force or general negative impact on the dust filter bagand in particular on the mounting plate. In this regard, the inventionproposes that the actuation projection is connected to the closure platein such a manner that in the course of compression of the actuationprojection, a simultaneous pivoting is introduced. The connection of theoperating projection to the closure plate functions so that oncompression, by which initially a linear displacement of the actuationpusher takes place, the spacing between the points of connection isincreased If a strap or the like is now used for the connection, this isstretched and reaches a condition in which it can no longer undergo anysubstantial increase in length. On the application of further pressureto the closure plate, the actuation projection is therefore pulledagainst the closure plate so that there arises the pivoting of theactuation projection onto the closure plate, hitherto achieved in thecourse of the further actuation, but now even sooner. There is achievedby this at the same time a limitation in the force, since withincreasing compression of the actuation projection in the lineardirection, the force exerted by the tip of the actuation projection onthe mounting plate of the dust filter bag also increases. By means ofthe connection, which is limited in lengths there is achieved an earliercessation of this compression movement under increased application offorce to the mounting plate than in the case of a movement operationwithout the connection. In a further embodiment it is envisaged that theconnection consists of a flexible connecting means. The connecting meansmay be a strap or a cord.

In a further solution of the problem posed, it is also provided that theactuation projection has lateral support elements for support on a frameof the receiving portion. The lateral support elements may be provideddirectly on the actuation projection, in particular, when this, aspreferred, is formed by a plastics moulded portion. The receivingportion also preferably further provides a slideway for the lateralsupports. When in the course of the movement of the closure plate afteran initially completed compression of the actuation projection in itsaxial direction, the pivoting of the actuation projection towards theclosure plate takes place, the lateral supports slide on the slidewaymentioned. It is important that by virtue of these supports, a forceloading, which initially introduces a movement of the closure plate ofthe receiving portion into the closed position on the mounting plate ofthe dust filter bag, is limited to a specific value or range.Furthermore, the force diverted by way of the supports, is taken up bythe receiving portion of the dust bag.

The subject of the invention is described below in more detail havingregard to embodiments shown in the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view onto a vacuum cleaner according to the invention withthe opened-out position of the chamber containing the filter bagindicated in chain-dotted manner,

FIG. 2 shows the chamber containing the filter bag in perspectiveindividual representations an opening in a mounting plate region of thefilter bag for entry of-a suction tube of the vacuum cleaner beingclosed-off,

FIG. 3 shows the chamber region for reception of the filter bag in theopen position of the chamber, partially in section,

FIG. 4 is a plan view onto the region of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 shows an actuation projection of the vacuum cleaner in individualrepresentation, the actuation projection being provided with a plate,and the arrangement being shown in side view,

FIG. 6 shows the same features as FIG. 5, but in plan view,

FIG. 7 shows the features of FIG. 5 in a view from below,

FIG. 8 is a section on the line VII--VII of FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 shows the upper region of the dust filter bag with its mountingplate, in perspective individual representation, in an open condition,

FIG. 10 is a plan view onto the dust filter bag with its mounting plate,an uppermost layer being omitted,

FIG. 11 is a representation corresponding to that of FIG. 3, relatinghowever to a disposition in the course of opening the vacuum cleaner andclosing the opening in the mounting plate,

FIG. 12 is a further representation corresponding to that of FIG. 3,relating however to the open disposition of the vacuum cleaner and theclosed disposition of the opening in the mounting plate for the dustfilter bag,

FIG. 13 is a further representation corresponding to that of FIG. 3,relating however to a disposition during the closing of the vacuumcleaner and the opening of the aperture in the mounting plate,

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the mounting plate for a dust filter bag withan opened push-closure,

FIG. 15 is a cross-section through the arrangement of FIG. 14, thesection being taken on the line XV--XV,

FIG. 16 is a representation corresponding to that of FIG. 14, followingremoval of the cover layer,

FIG. 17 is a cross-section through a dust filter bag inserted into avacuum cleaner, the dust filter bag having a mounting plate inaccordance with FIGS. 14 to 16,

FIG. 18 is a partial enlargement of the representation of FIG. 17, inthe suction tube region of the vacuum cleaner,

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional representation of the receiving portion forthe dust filter bag with a closure plate and a spring-biassed actuationprojection in a connecting arrangement, the actuation projection beingin an extended disposition,

FIG. 20 is a representation corresponding to that of FIG. 19, theactuation projection being in a partially retracted disposition,

FIG. 21 shows a second embodiment of an actuation projection for avacuum cleaner, in individual representation, the projection beingprovided with a plate, and the representation being shown in side view,

FIG. 22 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 21, but in plan view,

FIG. 23 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 21, in a view frombelow,

FIG. 24 is a section on the line XXIV--XXIV of FIG. 23,

FIG. 25 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 21, but with theactuation projection pushed in,

FIG. 26 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 25, but in plan view,

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional representation of the receiving portion ofthe dust filter bag with a closure plate and the actuation projectionaccording to FIG. 21, the actuation projection being in an extendeddisposition,

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional representation of the receiving portion ofthe dust filter bag with a closure plate and the actuation projectionaccording to FIG. 21, the closure plate being mounted in the filterframe, and

FIG. 29 is a representation corresponding to that of FIG. 28, in planview.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The electrical vacuum cleaner 1 shown is formed as a hand appliance. Ithas a housing 2, at the upper end of which there is connected a handle3, the handle 3 having a grip 4 at its end. In the transition regionbetween grip 4 and handle 3, there is an on and off switch 5. Theelectric cable connection is designated by the reference numeral 9.

The housing 2 is divided into a motor housing 6 and a chamber 7extending above the motor housing for the reception of a dust filter bag8. The motor fan is not shown in detail in the drawings.

The side of the dust filter bag 8 directed towards the motor housing 6stands, in the operating disposition of the vacuum cleaner according toFIG. 1, in a nozzle connectional relationship with a blower air channelof the motor fan,

On the underside of the motor housing 6, the housing has a transitioninto a tubular coupling 10, which provides the airflow connection to asuction nozzle 11.

In regard to the suction nozzle 11, there may be in question a so-calledsuction/brush nozzle, which has a brush roller in the nozzle mouth, thebrush roller being set in rotation by way of a separate drive.

The fan motor functions therefore from below in an upward direction,forcing as a result the dust-laden air into the dust filter bag 8located in an inverted disposition above the motor housing 6.

The cross-section of the housing 2 is longitudinally rectangular overits entire height with long sides gently curved in an outward directionand similarly formed short sides. In FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner is to beseen from the long side.

The chamber 7 receiving the dust filter bag 8 of correspondingcross-section is defined by a textile bag 12 stiffened by means ofwiremesh, the lower end of which bag, that is, the end of the bag at themotor housing, has a transition into a stiffened edge in the form of afilter frame 13. The stiffened textile bag 12 may be associated withthis filter frame 13 by way of the releasable clip insertion connection.The attachment region is offset for this.

For withdrawal of the dust filter bag, the housing 2 is opened out forsubstantially full exposure of its cross-section. The folded outposition may be seen from FIGS. 1 (in this case shown in chain-dottedmanner), 3, 4, and 11 to 13. The pivot axis 14 enabling this is locatedon one of the short or narrow sides of the housing 2. The bearing eyeson the filter frame for this pivot axis are designated by the referencenumeral 15. These bearing eyes 15 are located at the transition regionbetween a short side and a long side of the chamber 7. Between the twobearing eyes 15, there extends a continuous bearing eye of the motorhousing 6.

In the separating joint region between motor housing 6 and chamber 7,there is comprised in addition a drag cover T in the form of anintermediate support, on which the dust filter bag 8 is seated, Anintermediate support or carrier T of this kind is known from GermanPublished Patent Application 39 11 580 of the present Applicant.Reference is made to this document in the present connection, as to thefull content of the document.

The drag cover T has a shape in plan view adapted to the cross-sectionof the housing, set back however from the sleeve wall of the housing 2,so that in the coaxial disposition of motor housing 6 and chamber 7shown in FIG. 1, the drag cover T is substantially completely out ofsight. The drag cover T is also formed to be pivotable, the drag cover Thaving two bearing eyes on the hinge side, as is also the case for thefilter frame 13 In this way, the drag cover T pivots about the samepivot axis 14 as the chamber 7.

The dust filter bag 8 connected directly to the drag cover T has a baseformed as a mounting plate 16. The general shape in plan view of thismounting plate also corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of thefilter frame 13, which has peripheral steps 17 provided on the internalwall for supporting abutment of the mounting plate 16. In this way, themounting plate 16 cannot fall into the chamber 7 in the pivoteddisposition of the appliance. The common pivot axis 14 of filter frame13 and drag cover T extends over substantially the height of thesupporting peripheral step 17 of the filter bag mounting plate 16.

When the housing 2 is closed, that is, in the working configuration ofthe vacuum cleaner 1, the blower air channel of the motor fan penetratesinto the lower region 18' of a suction connection 18 by means of anoffset cylindrical mouth end. This suction connection 18 projects abovethe upper side of the drag cover T, the suction connection 18 beingformed similar to the drag cover T and the suction connection 18projecting into the interior of the dust filter bag 8 in an edge sealingmanner, to penetrate through an opening 19 of the filter bag mountingplate 16, the opening 19 being of corresponding cross-section to that ofthe suction connection 18.

The suction connection 18 tapers towards its free end, so that theintroduction of the connection 18 into the opening 19 has in effect acentering action.

For withdrawal of the dust filter bag 8, the chamber 7 with the dragcover T is swung into the open position shown in FIG. 3, after releaseof a closing catch on the housing. In order to now release the dustfilter bag 8 for withdrawal, the drag cover T is pivoted away from thechamber 7, for which a handgrip 20 is provided on the upper side of thedrag cover T which is directed away from the suction connection 18. Thishandgrip 20 is pivotably disposed on the upper face of the drag cover Tby means of a film hinge.

In order to prevent the falling back of dust and dirt into the motorhousing region 6, in the operating disposition of the vacuum cleaneraccording to FIG. 1, because of the inverted position of the dust filterbag 8, a flap valve may be provided at the free end of the suctionconnection 18.

On the underside of the drag cover T, i.e. on the side of the cover Tdirected towards the suction connection 18, there is associated withthis cover T a pivotable plate 21 for holding an actuation projection B.This plate 21 is pivotably disposed at the free end of the drag cover Tby means of a hinge 22. The plate 21 extends forwardly from the hinge 22up to substantially the middle of the drag cover T, to surround thesuction connection 18 For this latter, the plate 21 has an opening 23 ofoblong form. The region of the plate 21 directed away from the hinge 22is taperingly formed. In this regions a receiving chamber 24 ofrectangular shape in cross-section is defined in a positive manner,which chamber projects out beyond the end region of the plate 21. Inthis receiving chamber 24, the actuation projection B is mounted to befreely displaceable, the actuation projection B being comprisedsubstantially of an actuation arm 25 which is of rectangular shape incross-section and an actuation nose 26 formed at the free end of thisactuation arm 25, that is, at the end of the arm directed away from thereceiving chamber 24. The actuation nose extends in the configurationshown in FIG. 3 towards the dust filter bag 8.

The actuation projection B is arranged to be spring-biassed in itslongitudinal direction. For this, there serves a compression spring 27accommodated in the receiving chamber 24, which spring surrounds a pin28 provided at the end of the actuation arm 25 projecting into thereceiving chamber 24. At the other end, the compression spring 27 abutsagainst an end wall 29 of the receiving chamber 24. This receivingchamber 24 is closed-off by a cover 30, which engages around the endwall 29 and the side walls of the receiving chamber 24. In the open endregion, that is, in the region in which the actuation arm 25 projectsinto the receiving chamber 24, the cover 30 has an inwardly projectingsupporting collar 31. This latter serves as an abutment stop for theactuation arm 25 which is biassed in the outward direction by thecompression spring 27, the actuation arm having a matching correspondingabutment edge 32.

The plate 21 and the actuation projection B carried by this arepivotable about the hinge 22 against a spring 33. For this purpose, thisspring 33 extends between the underside of the drag cover T and the sideof the plate 21 directed towards this underside. To achieve this, acorresponding recess 34 for reception of one of the ends of the spring33 is provided on the underside of the drag cover T. The other end ofthe spring 33 engages around a circular projection 35 of the plate 21 inthe region of the transition from the plate 21 to the receiving chamber24. The spring 33 biasses the plate 21 and the actuation projection Bconnected to this plate at all times towards the dust filter bag 8. Thepath of pivoting of the plate 21 is limited in such a manner that onpivoting the drag cover T away from the dust filter bag 8 and away fromthe holding plate 16 for this bag, the edge of the projection 35 of theplate 21, which projection extends into the aperture region 23, abutsagainst a collar 36 on the outer periphery of the suction connection 18(see FIG. 12). The spring 33, as has already been further described indetail above, is in particular also of importance for the furtherexecution and especially for the completion of the closing or sealingmovement when opening the vacuum cleaner.

The dust filter bag 8 is comprised substantially of the mounting plate16 already mentioned and of a dust bag 37, preferably formed from paper,on the underside of this mounting plate 16, for example adhesivelyconnected to the plate.

The mounting plate 16 has a shape corresponding closely to the innerside of the filter frame 13 and comprises four layers of cardboard-papermaterial laid one over the other. These layers 38 to 41 are glued to oneanother. The mounting plate 16 thus formed is supported in the insertedcondition of the dust filter bag 8 on the peripheral steps 17 of thefilter frame 13. In order to prevent the dust filter bag 8 from beingdislodged in the operating configuration of the vacuum cleaner 1according to FIG. 1, retaining features 42 are provided, which arelocated on the inner side of the filter frame 13 and act on the upperside of the mounting plate 16. The dust filter bag 8 is thus held in itsmounting plate region 16.

For locationally correct secure placement of the dust filter bag 8, themounting plate 16 has orientation features 43 in its two short sideregions, which engage in corresponding counter-features 44 of the innerwall of the filter frame 13. In regard to the orientation features,there are in question projections of trapezoidal shape on the short ornarrow side of the plate-shaped body forming the mounting plate 16.There is thus achieved a position which is correct as to alignmentbetween opening 19 and suction connection 18.

On the peripheral edges of the longer sides, the mounting plate 16 hasgripping openings 45. The two gripping openings 45 are bevelled and areopen towards the corresponding inner wall of the filter frame 13. In theopen disposition of the housing 2 and after the drag cover T has beenswung back, the dust filter bag 8 may be comfortably grasped by grippingacross the set back central zone of the mounting plate 16, which is ofwasp-waist shape, and the bag may be lifted out of the chamber 7.

As already mentioned, the mounting plate 16 comprises four layers 38 to41 laid one over the other, the paper dust bag 37 being glued onto thelowermost layer 41 on the underside. This lowermost layer 41 has acircular aperture 46. The layer 40 located above this layer 41 is formedto be the same as the layer 41 as to shape and surface area and also hasan aperture 47 located coaxially with the aperture 46, which aperture 47also has the same radius as the aperture 46.

The layer 39 located over the layer 40 is formed as a spacing layer forthe layer 38 providing the top and serves to define a free space 48.FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the layer 39 with omission of the layer 38which lies over this layer 39 and forms the top. The layer 39 is ingeneral formed as an edge strip having the same external shape as theother three layers. In practice, this is so effected that layer sections49 to 51 are provided at the outer edge in the region of the aperture 47of the layer 40, which layer sections extend from the respective outeredge to the vicinity of the aperture 47, leaving a spacing between theaperture 47 and the inner edge of the respective layer strip. The layerstrips 49 and 51 provided on the long sides of the mounting plate 16 areconnected to the layer strip 50 at the end edge directed towards theaperture 47 and extend outwardly from this layer strip 50 into thegripping opening regions 45, which gripping openings are formed bycorresponding recesses in the layers 38, 40 and 41. The spacing betweenthe two peripherally inner edges of the layer strips 49 and 51 is inthis connection selected to be greater than the spacing between theperipheral edges of the gripping openings 45 directed towards oneanother On the opposite side of the gripping openings 45 from the layerstrips 49 and 51, the layer strips continue as layer strip sections 49'and 51', with retention of the same width. While maintaining a spacingfrom the gripping openings 45, the layer strip sections 49' and 51' arewidened in such a manner that proceeding from the outer periphery of themounting plate 16, they extend into the central region of the mountingplate 16, while leaving a slit 52. This widened region of the layer 39,which as a result is located in the end region of the mounting plate 16opposite to the aperture 47, are indicated by reference numerals 53 and54. In the transition region between the layer strip sections 49' and51' and the regions 53 and 54, there are therefore defined abutments 55which are effective in the longitudinal direction of the mounting plate16.

The uppermost layer 38 defining the top has a configuration which is thesame as that of the layers 40 and 41 as to shape and almost the same asto area. In this case also, an aperture 56 is provided, coaxial with theapertures 46 and 47. These apertures 46, 47 and 56 define the opening19, already mentioned, in the mounting plate 16. The uppermost layer 38is further provided with a recess 57 located above the slit 52 of thelayer 39, the recess 57 being open at the edge and having almost thesame width as the slit 52. This recess 57 extends proceeding from theshort or narrow side of the mounting plate 16 opposite the opening 19 inthe direction of the longitudinal extent of the mounting plate 16 tosubstantially the middle of this latter.

Between the two lower layers 40 and 41, a rubber seal 58 is inserted andpreferably glued in position. This rubber seal 58 is provided in theregion of the apertures 46 and 47 and has a circular opening 59, whichis formed to have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the apertures46 and 47. The opening 59 of the rubber seal 58 is in this connectionaligned coaxially with the apertures 46 and 47. The rubber seal 58serves for the sealing connection between the dust filter bag 8 and thesuction connection 18, when the suction connection 18 enters through theopening 59 and projects into the interior of the dust filter bag 8.

In the free space 48 defined between the layers 38 and 40 and bounded bythe layer strips of the layer 39, a closure member V is displaceablymounted (see FIG. 10). The closure member V is for this substantially ofspade shape in plan view, a spade handle 60 being located, in thedisposition shown in FIG. 10, in the slit 52 of the layer 39. Theclosure plate 61 connected to the spade handle 60 has a width almostcorresponding to the spacing between the peripheral inner sides of thelayer strips 49 and 51 and the layer strip sections 49' and 51' andextends, in the disposition according to FIG. 10, proceeding from theabutments 55 of the layer 39, to the edge of the aperture 47 of thelayer 40 and to the edge of the opening 19.

The spade handle 60 of the closure member V is in this regard exposedwithin the recess 57 provided in the uppermost layer 38 and serves as anactuation section. For this, the spade handle 60 has a handlingprojection M in the form of a fold location 62. By this, there resultsat the free end of the spade handle 60, a section 63 which may be foldedout from the spade handle.

It is also possible for the handling projection M to be formed in such amanner that at the free end region of the spade handle 60, a thickenedregion is provided. Alternatively, for this purpose, there may also beprovided in this region, a recess in the form of a longitudinal slit orthe like.

Because of this formation of the mounting plate 16, it is now possibleto selectively close or open the aperture 19 by means of the closuremember V. For this, the closure member V is displaced longitudinally inthe free space region 48 of the layer 39, the closure member V beingfully accommodated within the external contour of the mounting plate 16both in the closed position and also in the open position, as well as atevery intermediate position. This means that portions of the closuremember V do not project outside the external shape or contour of themounting plate 16, either in the closed disposition or in the opendisposition. This is also not possible in the case of the embodimentshown, since the shape and size of the filter frame 13 of the vacuumcleaner 1 would not allow any enlargement of the external shape orcontour of the mounting plate 16.

The displacement of the closure member V takes place by grasping orgripping at the handling projection M, which is exposed for engagementin the recess region 57 of the uppermost layer 38. For this purpose,this recess 57 corresponds in its longitudinal extent to the path ofdisplacement of the closure member V. By displacing the closure member Vfrom the open disposition according to FIG. 10 into a closed dispositionin the direction of the arrow y, the opening 19 in the mounting plate 16is closed by means of the closure plate 61. For this, the closure memberV is guided at its sides by the layer strips 49 and 51. The end positionfor the closed configuration is achieved when the end edge of theclosure plate 61 abuts against the inner peripheral edge of the end edgeof the layer strip 50.

The open disposition is defined by the abutment, already mentioned, ofthe closure plate 61 against the stops 55 of the layer 39.

For withdrawal of a dust filter bag 8 provided with a mounting plate 16of this kind from the chamber 7, the dust bag together with the dragcover T is first of all pivoted out of the operating dispositionaccording to FIG. 1 into a withdrawal position according to FIG. 3. Asis to be seen from this drawing, the pivotable plate 21 provided withthe actuation projection B is here disposed parallel to the drag cover Tbetween this latter and the mounting plate 16. The actuation nose 26 ofthe actuation projection B thus engages behind the section 63 of thespade handle 60 of the closure member V, which section 63 may be foldedout of the plane of the spade handle. If the drag plate T issubsequently pivoted away from the chamber 7 by means of the handgrip20, the actuation nose 26 engaging at the foldable-out section 63 theneffects a displacement of the closure member V in the closing directionfor the opening 19. In the course of pivoting the drag cover T, theplate 21 with the actuation projection B pivots at the same time aboutthe hinge 22, because of the spring 33, in such a manner that thefoldable-out section 63 of the closure member V is engaged at all timesby the actuation nose 26 at least over a major part of the path ofpivoting of the drag cover T. There is effected by this a scissors-typeopening action between the drag cover T and the plate 21 provided withthe actuation projection B. Because of the actuation arm 25 beingspring-biassedly mounted in the receiving chamber 24, this may give wayin the course of movement into the receiving chamber 24. Thespring-biassed support of the actuation projection B and thespring-biassed pivotability of the plate 21 and the actuation projectionB connected to this plate, guarantee at all times that the actuationnose 26 engages behind the foldable-out section 63 over the entire pathof displacement of the closure member V. As soon as the closure member Vreaches the closed position for the opening 19, the end edge of theclosure member V or that of the closure plate 61 abuts, as alreadymentioned, against the inwardly located peripheral edge of the layerstrip 50 of the layer 39. In this disposition, the fold location 62 ofthe spade handle 60 also reaches the end edge 64 of the recess 57 of theuppermost layer 38. The actuation protection B continues to endeavour,in this dispositions to displace the closure member V further in thedirection of the arrow y. The actuation nose 26 thus still continues toengage behind the foldable-out section 63 of the spade handle 60. In thecourse of the further pivoting of the drag cover T away from the chamber7, there now takes place engagement of the actuation nose 26 beneath thefoldable-out section 63, which section, because of this and because ofthe urging in the direction of the arrow y, which still continues toprevail, folds out in an upward direction, that is, by moving outthrough the recess 57 of the uppermost layer 38. By this, there isintroduced a second fold location 65 (see FIG. 11). Here it is shownthat the spade handle 60 may be formed to be of the same width as therecess 57, but it may also optionally be narrower than this recess,since otherwise the region which is impacted against and gripped beneathby the actuation nose 26 in the disposition shown in FIG. 11 cannot giveway outwardly. This would lead to damage of the closure member V in theregion of the engagement surface for the actuation nose 26. In so farhowever as the displacement of the closure member and the action on thespade handle 60 is not effected by way of a folded portion, but only bya handling projection M mounted for example on the spade handle, it isalso possible and is preferred for the spade handle 60 to be formed tohave a greater width than the recess 57, so that the edges of the recessare engaged from below by the spade handle.

In the course of the further pivoting of the drag cover T into adisposition according to FIG. 12 in which the dust filter bag 8 may bereleased, the actuation nose 26 of actuation projection B passes overthe foldable-out section 63, whereby this latter is moved to an upwardlocation, passing out of the recess 57 of the uppermost layer 38. Theactuation projection B reaches in this way a predefined end position,while, as already described, the projection 35 extending into theaperture 23 of the plate 21 abuts against the collar 36 provided on theexternal periphery of the suction connection 18. The drag cover T mayalso be pivoted still further than the 90° disposition shown in FIG. 12,so that the dust filter bag 8 may be removed in a problem-free mannerfrom the chamber 7.

For removal of the dust filter bag 8, this is grasped in the grippingopening regions 45 of the mounting plate 16 and drawn out of the chamber7 against the retaining action of the retaining features 42 of thefilter frame 13.

If a closed dust filter bag 8 of this kind is however to be used again,opening of the aperture 19 may be effected in the simplest manner. Forthis, the drag cover T is pivoted back in the direction of the chamber7, so that the free end region of the actuation arm 25 of the actuationprojection B engages against the fold location 62 located at the endedge 64 of the recess 57 in the mounting plate 16. In the course of thefurther pivoting of the drag plate T into the closed position, theactuation projection B displaces the closure member V into an openposition for the aperture 19, in that the actuation arm 25 pushes theclosure member V in front of it, the pushing taking place in the spadehandle region 60 of the closure member. As already discussed previouslyabove, the ability to vary the longitudinal location of the actuationprojection B against the compression spring 27 is also of particularimportance in this connection. Thus, in the event of an inappropriateangular disposition, a potential blocking effect may be introduced bythe actuation projection B meeting up with the spade handle 60. Insteadof this, the length of the actuation arm 25 is first of all reduced,whereby the actuation angle on the spade handle 60 is also changed, sothat any self-arresting or blocking effect which may occur may beovercome. In the further course of the pivotal movement of the dragcover T, there closes also the scissors form arrangement of drag cover Twith respect to the plate 21 and also with respect to the actuationprojection B mounted on the plate 21. After complete opening of theaperture 19 of the mounting plate 16, whereby corresponding edges of theclosure plate 61 abut against the stops 55 of the layer 39, theactuation projection B passes over the foldable-out section 63 in thefree end region of the actuation arm 25 and the actuation nose 26 of thearm 25 seats itself once again behind this section 63e In thisconnection, it is also of importance that the actuation projection 26travels against a stop 26' fixed to the housing (see for example FIG.3). This takes place preferably also with the development of a certainlevel of noise, which signals to the user a correct open condition ofthe filter bag and altogether a functionally problem-free preparednessof the vacuum cleaner for operation.

The dust filter bag 8 shown and described is, with its mounting plate16, also insertable in vacuum cleaners 1 which have no arrangement forautomatic closing and opening in the course of opening or closing thevacuum cleaner. Here nonetheless there is also the possibility ofdisplacing the closure member V by hand into the respective disposition,in that the foldable-out section 63 is grasped by hand and adisplacement of the closure member V may thus be effected. In addition,there is also the possibility of engaging the closure member V in theregion of the gripping openings 45, in that the closure member V may beengaged and displaced by means of a clamping grip in the exposed regionbetween the layers 38 and 40. This also functions in the particularexample as shown in the embodiment, in which the closure member in theregion of the gripping openings 45 reaches only to the edge of thecontour of the mounting plate 16 and does not project beyond thiscontour.

In use of a vacuum cleaner 1 which is provided with an actuationprojection B as shown and described, use of conventional dust filterbags may also be envisaged, that is, dust filter bags without closuremember V. In this case, the actuation projection B would run out overthe mounting plate 16 during pivoting of the drag cover T into an openor closed position, without functions of any kind being carried out.

It is finally also possible for the plate 21 of the drag cover T to beprovided with registration projections. These registration projectionstravel, after completion of pivoting of the actuation projection B, intocorresponding registration openings, which in the embodiment shown, maybe the gripping openings 45 of the mounting plate 16. For this, thearrangement is such that closure of the vacuum cleaner 1 is onlypossible when the registration projections have entered into theregistration openings or the gripping openings 45. This arrangement isto provide that closure of the vacuum cleaner 1 is only possible when adust filter bag 8 has been inserted. If a dust filter bag 8 is insertedinto the chamber 7, the actuation projection B pivots, as alreadydescribed, in the course of the closing movement, in the direction ofthe underside of the drag cover T, whereby the registration projectionsare also correspondingly displaced to such an extent that they may enterinto the corresponding registration openings or gripping openings 45 inthe closed disposition of the chamber 7 with respect to to the dragcover T. If however no dust filter bag 8 is introduced, the actuationprojection B finds no opposition to pivoting, so that the registrationprojections remain in their blocking position. In this blockingposition, these projections abut for example against the outer edge ofthe filter frame 13 in the course of the closing movement of the dragcover T, so that there is opposition to closing the vacuum cleaner 1. Ifnow also, differently sized registration projections are associated withcorrespondingly differently sized registration openings, a locationallycorrect insertion of the dust filter bag 8 in the chamber 7 is alsoassured.

There is shown and described, initially with reference to FIG. 14, amounting plate 101 for a dust filter bag. The mounting plate 101 is, asmay be seen from FIG. 15, formed from a total of four layers (FIG. 15 isa greatly enlarged representation). An upper layer 102 has a circularopening 103 with a peripheral edge 104. In addition, a relatively wideslit 105 is provided in the upper layer 102. Underneath the upper layer102, there is a provided a displaceable closure member V. The closuremember V is provided at its narrow end with an attachment 106, which inthe embodiment also comprises a card layer. The attachment 106 projectsinto the slit opening 105. By means of this attachment 106, the closurepusher V may be displaced by hand or automatically.

The closure pusher V is indicated in FIG. 14 as to its externaldimensions by the dotted lines. The opening 107 of the middle layer 108,i.e. the third layer from the top of the mounting plate 101, is formedto be larger than the upper opening 103 and also larger than the loweropening 109 (see FIG. 15). A rubber seal 111 is mounted between thelayer 108 and the lowermost layer 110 of the mounting plate 101. Therubber seal 111 may for example be secured between the layers 108 and110 by gluing. The rubber seal 111 extends inwardly from the peripheraledge 104 in annular manner and has an inner peripheral edge 112.

A stabilising portion in the form of a tongue 113 is provided on themiddle layer 108, i.e. the third layer from the top of the mountingplate 101. The tongue 113 is provided at the location on the opening 103which is most remote from an end edge 114 of the closure member V (withreference to the withdrawn position of FIG. 14).

By the provision of the tongue 113 on the layer 108 of the mountingplate 101, it follows that this may also comprise a card-paper material,in the case of the present embodiment, as also applies for the remaininglayers of the mounting plate.

The tongue 113 has a dimension e, proceeding from the peripheral edge104 towards the interior of the opening 103, which dimension correspondsto one-half of the dimension E of the rubber seal 111 from theperipheral edge 104 towards the interior of the opening 103. For thepresent embodiment, a diameter d of the circular opening 103 isapproximately 5 cm. The dimension e corresponds approximately toone-tenth of this diameter, thus approximately 5 mm, while the rubberseal 111 extends approximately 1 cm into the interior of the opening 103(dimension E).

The sectional view of FIG. 16 shows a section in the plane between thelayer 115, the second layer from the top, and the layer 108. In order toindicate that these layers are glued to one another and thus areconnected to one another, the section plane, in so far as it coincideswith the gluing, is indicated by cross-hatching.

It will be apparent that the tongue 113 is provided directly on thelayer 115. The rubber seal 111 is mounted between the layer 115 and thelayer 108, the outer periphery of the rubber seal extending onlypartially circularly.

From the representations of FIGS. 17 and 18, the behaviour of the tongue113 and the action of the tongue 113 in the operating condition of thevacuum cleaner will be apparent.

There is in question in this case in particular a vacuum cleaner havinga so-called drag cover 116, on which a suction tube 117 is provided. Inregard to the features of the vacuum cleaner in detail, reference ismade for example to EP-A-25 32 057, the content of which is herewithincorporated fully in the disclosure of the present application, alsofor the purposes of inclusion of such features in the claims.

The suction tube 117 penetrates the openings 103 and 109 as well as theopenings of the layers of the mounting plate 101 disposed between theseopenings. The dimensions of the openings and in particular the dimensionof the tongue 113 are determined in relation to the diameter of thesuction tube 117 in such a way that a folding of the tongue 113 into theinterior of the dust bag is achieved. The tongue 113 engages howevercompletely over the seal 111--and furthermore extends radiallyinwards--and abuts in a fully engaging manner against the suction tube117. On withdrawal of the suction tube 117 from the mounting plate 101of the dust filter bag, there remains because of the bending of thetongue 113 which has taken place, a definite pre-stress in the inwarddirection and a corresponding action of the tongue 113 on the rubberseal 111. This has the result that the rubber seal 111 does not in anyway extend upwardly towards the opening 103 and thus the closure memberV may be moved into a closed disposition without any further action. Inthe closed condition, the closure member V runs onto the tongue 113 onits upper side, with reference to a representation in accordance withFIG. 15.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, there is shown in partial cross-section, areceiver 118 for a dust filter bag. In regard to the dust filter bag,there is to be seen in detailed cross-section, a mounting plate 101, asalready described above.

The vacuum cleaner or the receiver 118 comprises a solid plate 119,which has the suction tube 117 already discussed In addition, anactuation projection 120 is to be seen, which has a nose 121, by whichthe projection acts on the closure member V of the dust filter bag. Theactuation projection 120 is displaceable in a receiver 122 against theforce of a spring 123, In addition, the closure pusher 120 is directlyconnected to the closure plate 119 by means of a strap 124. Inparticular, the connection point 125 for the strap 124 is provided onthe underside of the closure plate 119, close to a pivot joint 126.

For the position shown in FIG. 19, in which the actuation pusher 120only rests on the mounting plate 101 of the dust filter bag, the strap124 is in an unloaded condition. It still has a certain increment oflength, which may be used.

For the position shown in FIG. 20, a pivoting movement of the closureplate 119 has been initiated, so that this pivots about the axis of thejoint 126 towards the mounting plate 101 for the dust filter bag. Duringthis movement, the relative position of the actuation projection 120with respect to the mounting plate 101 initially remains unchanged. Theactuation projection 120 moves only a little against the spring force ofthe spring 123 into the actuation projection receiver 122. This movementmay continue until such time as the strap 124 is stretched. Thisstretching occurs before the maximum amount of inward travel of theactuation projection 120 into the receiver 122 has been used up. As soonas the strap 124 is stretched, a dragging away of the actuationprojection 120 is introduced by any further pivoting of the closureplate 119 about the axis of the joint 126, so that this projection 120pivots by means of the receiver 122, into a closed disposition about itsjoint arrangement 127 relative to the closure plate 119, which islocated on the underside of the closure plate 119.

In this way, there is prevented any further increase in the forceapplied by the actuation projection 120 to the mounting plate 101 forthe dust filter bag.

In addition, reference is also made to the unpublished contents ofGerman Patent Application No. 43 41 248 for the general construction ofthe receiver and the closure plate and the actuation projection.

Alternatively, which however is not illustrated in detail, supports mayalso be formed on the actuation projection 120 at the side, i.e.perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. These supports may come forexample into abutment against the inner periphery 128 of the receiver118 for the dust filter bag. By a suitable relationship between theoverall length of the actuation projection 120 and the arrangement ofthe supports, it may be achieved not only that the nose 121 of theactuation projection 120 comes into abutment against the mounting plate101 for the dust filter bag, but also that on the described pivoting ofthe closure plate 119, the resulting increased force in the course ofthe linear resilient compression of the actuation projection 120 istaken up by the abutment edge 128. The receiver edge 128 or the supportswhich are formed on the sides of the actuation projection 120, may thenin particular also be so formed that they slide on one another with theleast possible frictions

For a further embodiment, a closure plate 219 having a suctionconnection 217 is pivotably mounted in known manner by way of a pivotjoint 226 relative to a vacuum cleaner housing 202. An actuationprojection 220 on a plate 221 is pivotably mounted by way of a hinge 222at the free end of the closure plate 219. An expansion spring 233 islocated at the axis 227 of the hinge 222, which abuts against theunderside 237 of the closure plate 219 by means of a loop 234, the loopmatching the annular shape of the suction connection 217 and enclosingthis connection. By virtue of the force of the expansion spring 233,when the closure plate 219 is opened, the plate 219 and the plate 221take up a narrow V shape. The angle of opening of this V shape islimited by abutment of a nose 224 formed in the shape of an L againstthis connection 217, the nose adjoining an oval aperture 223 for theconnection 227, see FIG. 27.

The suction connection 217 is provided with a flap valve 205 at its freeend, which prevents the falling back of dust and dirt arising out of theinverted disposition of the dust filter bag 208 in the operatingconfiguration. There is in question in this regard a membrane reinforcedby ribs, which is simply riveted in place at a pin 218.

The plate 221 pivotably mounted on the underside 237 of the closureplate 219 carries an actuation projection 220 mounted for displacementagainst the force of two springs 228, 229. In the extended disposition,the contour line of the plate 221 with extended actuation projection 220corresponds approximately to the contour shape of the closure plate 219or that of the inner side of the filter frame 213 receiving the closureplate 219 and plate 221. This means that the actuation arm 225 hasapproximately the same width as the plate 221. At its free end, theactuation arm 225 carries an actuation nose 216, slightly displaced offcentre, which nose moves a closure member V of a mounting plate 201 forthe dust filter bag 208 along with the nose in the manner describedabove.

The mounting of the actuation projection 220 on the plate 221 isexplained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 21 to 26. The plate 221has perpendicularly extending shanks 230, 231 on which the the actuationprojection 220 is mounted at its sides, the shanks being connected attheir free ends by means of a bar 232 at the opposite end from the axis227. The actuation arm 225 of the actuation projection 220 is guidedbetween the underside 235 of the plate 221 and the bar 232. A retainingnose 236 abuts against the bar 232 on extension of the springs 228, 229and prevents the arm from being withdrawn. The springs 228, 229 aremounted in channels 238, 239 of the actuation projection, the channelsbeing formed to be U-shaped in cross-section. The free shank ends of thechannels 238, 239 lie against the underside 235. For better guidance ofthe actuation projection, there extend from the free shanks 230, 231 ofthe plate 221, projections 240, 241, so that the channels 238, 239 areprovided between these projections and the underside 235. In thelongitudinal direction, each channel 238, 239 is closed at one end by awall, against which the springs 228, 229 abut. The opposite longitudinalend is open and the springs 228, 229 there abut against counterbearings242, 243 secured to the plate. When the dust filter bag 8 is closed, theactuation projection 220 is initially pushed in the direction of theaperture 223 against the force of the springs 228, 229. The aperture 223is thus located between the channels 238, 239, and the actuation arm 225connecting the channels 238, 239 may therefore have a rounded shape 244.For limiting the displacement of the actuation projection 220 towardsthe aperture 223, abutments 246 are provided on the wall 245 of the nose224, against which the end face of the rounded portion 244 of theactuation projection 220 engages.

The mounting plate 201 with the closure member V is formed substantiallyin accordance with the preceding embodiments. It has here however ahandling projection for the spade handle 260 in the form of anattachment 261, see FIG. 28, which is connected to the uppermost layerof the mounting plate 201, this layer forming the top. The width of theattachment 261 corresponds to somewhat less than the width of the slitin the uppermost layer of the mounting plate 201, see in this connectionalso FIG. 9, which is necessary for the actuation of the closure memberV. The actuation nose 216 of the actuation projection 220 projects inthe direction of movement, towards the angular space formed by the upperside of the spade handle 260 and the longitudinal side of the attachment261, so that a counterbearing is found. As an alternative to theattachment, a recess may also be provided.

On pivoting the closure plate 219 inwardly out of the position shown inFIG. 27 into the position according to FIG. 28, the plate 221 and theactuation projection 220 abut against the underside 237 of the closureplate 219, if the mounting plate 201 is missing and there is thereforemaintained the V disposition between the closure plate 219 and the plate221 and the actuation projection 220, it is not possible to close theclosure plate 219. Registration projections 203, 204 on the plate 221,formed by a widening opposite to the free end of the plate 221 and theactuation projection 220, move on maximum pivoting into registrationreceiving portions 206 of inwardly projecting receivers 207 on thefilter frame 213. Thus closure of the vacuum cleaner is also onlypossible when a filter bag 208 has been introduced.

In closed condition, see FIGS. 28, 29, the closure plate 219 is latchedby retaining noses 209 penetrating apertures 210 in the closure plate219. The retaining noses 209 may project from a sealing edge 212, whichis provided in free standing manner at an angle 211 of the filter frame213 at least over the longitudinal extent of the filter frame 213. Inthe closed condition, a peripheral sealing lip 214 on the outer side ofthe closure plate 219 comes into sealing abutment against the flat innerside of the sealing edge 212. Also in the case of this embodiment, asalready described, a connection of the actuation projection 220 to theclosure plate 219 may be effected, for example by means of a flexible,stretchable connecting means, so that in the course of compression ofthe actuation projection 220, simultaneous pivoting of the actuationprojection 220 is initiated.

All features disclosed are relevant to the invention.

We claim:
 1. Dust filter bag for a vacuum cleaner, filter bagcomprising:a mounting plate comprising a card-paper material, and a dustbag connected to the mounting plate, the mounting plate having asealingly closable opening for receiving a suction tube of a vacuumcleaner, the mounting plate further comprising an upper layer and alower layer which extend across the dust bag with the lower layer beinglocated between the upper layer and the dust bag; a closure memberdisposed between said upper layer and said lower layer, and beingdisplaceable from an open disposition into a closed position for closureof said opening; wherein said closure member is accommodatedsubstantially completely within an outer contour of the mounting platein a closed position and in an open dispositions; an elongated recess isdisposed in said upper layer for exposing a portion of said closuremember; and said recess is separate from said opening, and alongitudinal dimension of said recess corresponds to a path ofdisplacement of the said closure member.
 2. Dust filter bag according toclaim 1, wherein said mounting plate includes a third layer disposedbetween said upper layer and said lower layer, said lower layerproviding a substantially full surface area support for the closuremember in the open disposition.
 3. Dust filter bag according to claim 1,wherein and edge of said closure member extends out to or beyond theedge contour of the mounting plate at least over a portion of a path ofdisplacement of the closure member.
 4. Dust filter bag according toclaim 1, wherein the closure member comprises a relatively wide portionfor closing said opening, and a relatively narrow handle portionextending from said wide portion beneath said recess of said upperlayer.
 5. Dust filter bag according to claim 1, further comprising aspade handle associated with the said recess.
 6. Dust filter bagaccording to claim 5, further comprising a handling projection (M)provided on said spade handle.
 7. Dust filter bag according to claim 5,wherein said spade handle has a section capable of being folded-out. 8.Dust filter bag according to claim 7, wherein two fold locations areprovided in said spade handle section.
 9. Dust filter bag for a vacuumcleaner, the filter bag comprising:a mounting plate comprising acard-paper material, and a dust bag connected to the mounting plate, themounting plate having a sealingly closable opening for receiving asuction tube of a vacuum cleaner, the mounting plate further comprisingan upper layer and a lower layer which extend across the dust bag withthe lower layer being located between the upper layer and the dust bag;a closure member disposed between said upper layer and said lower layer,and being displaceable from an open disposition into a closed positionfor closure of said opening; wherein said closure member is accommodatedsubstantially completely within an outer contour of the mounting platein a closed position and in an open disposition; an elongated recess isdisposed in said upper layer for exposing a portion of said closuremember; said recess is separate from said opening, and a longitudinaldimension of said recess corresponds to a path of displacement of saidclosure member; and a rubber seal is provided on the peripheral edge ofsaid opening, the rubber seal projecting inwardly beyond a periphery ofsaid opening that to provide an inwardly projecting stabilizing portionin overlapping relationship with the rubber seal.
 10. Dust filter bagaccording to claim 9, wherein said stabilizing portion comprises acard-paper material.
 11. Dust filter bag according to claim 9, whereinsaid stabilizing portion is provided in the form of a tongue.
 12. Dustfilter bag according to claim 9, wherein a dimension (e) of saidstabilizing portion in an inward direction relative to a periphery ofsaid opening corresponds to approximately one-half of the dimension (E)of the rubber seal in the inward direction.
 13. Dust filter bagaccording to claim 9, wherein the dimension (E) of the rubber seal inthe inward direction from the periphery of said opening corresponds to arange of approximately three-tenths to five-tenths of a diameter of saidopening.
 14. Dust filter bag according to claim 9, wherein for amultilayer construction of said mounting plate, said stabilizing portionis provided as part of a layer which is in direct contact with saidrubber seal.
 15. Dust filter bag according to claim 9, wherein saidstabilizing portion is provided on a side of said rubber seal directedaway from the dust bag.
 16. Vacuum cleaner comprising:a dust filter baghaving a mounting plate with an opening for a suction connection;wherein the mounting plate has a closure member which is automaticallydisplaceable into a closed position in the course of opening the vacuumcleaner; the vacuum cleaner further comprises an actuation projection(B) provided on a portion of the vacuum cleaner; said actuationprojection is operative on the closure member during opening or closingof the vacuum cleaner; and a length of the actuation projection (B) foractuation of the closure member is variable.
 17. Vacuum cleaneraccording to claim 16, wherein the actuation projection (B) is shortenedin the disposition of use of the dust filter bag upon an opening of saidclosure member.
 18. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 16, wherein theactuation projection (B) is provided with spring-biasing in a directionof extension.
 19. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 16, furthercomprising a drag cover (T) wherein the actuation projection (B) isdisposed on said drag cover.
 20. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 16,further comprising a spring disposed between said drag cover (T) andsaid actuation projection (B), wherein the actuation projection ispivotable against the spring.
 21. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 16,wherein registration projections are provided connected to saidactuation projection (B), said registration projections enter intoregistration openings of another portion of the vacuum cleaner upon acompletion of pivoting of the actuation projection (B), whereby closureof the vacuum cleaner is only possible on entry of the registrationprojections.
 22. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 21, wherein theactuation projection (B) further comprises a plate pivotally connectedto said drag cover (T); andthe registration projections are provided onsaid plate.
 23. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 19, wherein theactuation projection is connected by a connection to said drag coverenabling a pivoting of said actuation projection in the course ofcompression of the actuation projection.
 24. Vacuum cleaner according toclaim 23, wherein the connection comprises a flexible stretchableconnecting means.
 25. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 23, wherein theconnection is a strap.
 26. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 16, whereinthe actuation projection has a lateral support for abutment against aframe of a dust-bag receiving portion of the vacuum cleaner.
 27. Vacuumcleaner according to claim 26, wherein said receiving portion provides aslideway on which said lateral support is slidable in the course of aclosing operation of the vacuum cleaner.
 28. Dust filter bag for avacuum cleaner, the filter bag comprising:a mounting plate comprising acard-paper material, and a dust bag connected to the mounting plate, themounting plate having a sealingly closable opening for receiving asuction tube of a vacuum cleaner, the mounting plate further comprisingan upper layer and a lower layer which extend across the dust bag withthe lower layer being located between the upper layer and the dust bag;a closure member disposed between said upper layer and said lower layer,and being displaceable from an open disposition into a closed positionfor closure of said opening; and a rubber seal is provided on theperipheral edge of said opening, the rubber seal projecting inwardlybeyond a periphery of said opening to provide an inwardly projectingstabilizing portion in overlapping relationship with the rubber seal.